I think the 230 came about because the new cars then were getting lower hood clearance and overall smaller. They also wanted to cut weight for more MPG. So the height and length of the 230 was shorter than the 235 and was lighter in weight than the 235. Along with this they also tried to make some improvements. The sign-of-the-times was calling for changes and change they did, they completly changed it, so no parts will interchange between the 230 and the older 235. Did they improve it, or make it "better" ????? I don't know, opinions differ. (??) But the old 235 was, and still is, a real workhorse and a very stable and reliable motor.
You ask: "On this site I read a lot about the 235/292/216 but not any mention of the 230 was the 230 more popular in cars?"
I think, (this is just my opinion) that the 230 did not live up to the standards of the old 235, so they made the 230 into a 250. (I think this is why the 230 ended production earlier than the 250/292). So then the 250 had a little bit more guts and zip than the 230 did. Therefore the 250 is mentioned (and is more desirable) than the 230. The 230 and 250 ended up being just a little shy when it came to moving a work truck so they made the 292 out of the 230/250. All three 230/250/292 share a lot of common parts but share none with the older 235.
Hope this may help a little.
Last edited by OLD FART with 1930 truck; 12/29/2007 4:32 AM.
